1 Samuel 31

The End of an Era

All good things come to an end, or in the case of Saul, even bad things will come to an end. After breaking between Saul’s encounter with the medium at En-dor and David’s destruction of the Amalekites, Saul now enters into his final battle. The great cliffhanger and season finale. What will become of Israel now that the king will die? Will David finally reign?

the tragedy of a faithful servant (31:1-2)

the demise of an unfaithful king (31:3-13)

[1] the tragedy of a faithful servant (31:1-2)

One of the things we tend to focus on so much in this passage is the death of Saul and rightly so. This is a major transition in the kingship. The man whom the people wanted rather than the Lord, had a downward spiral that ended in seeking a pagan witch at Endor, and who would ultimately succumb to his wounds. Yet, the focus on this passage should divert us to that of Jonathan. Saul’s son Jonathan played such a central role in many of the previous narrative passages.

If you remember, in 1 Samuel 14, Jonathan played a leading role in the military conquest against the Philistine garrison. Following the battle, Saul makes a rash vow that would threaten Jonathan’s life. 1 Samuel 14:43–46“Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the tip of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I will die.” And Saul said, “God do so to me and more also; you shall surely die, Jonathan.” Then the people said to Saul, “Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salvation in Israel? Far from it! As the Lord lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.” So the people ransomed Jonathan, so that he did not die. Then Saul went up from pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place.” And shortly following, Saul is rejected by the Lord.

In 1 Samuel 18:1–4, Jonathan himself gave up his right to the kingship for David. “As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.” The brotherly relationship between the coming King David and Jonathan plays a critical role in the life of David.

After Saul tried to kill David, Jonathan warns David. Saul’s hatred of David even extends to the attempted murder of Jonathan as well. 1 Samuel 20:33–34“But Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to put David to death. And Jonathan rose from the table in fierce anger and ate no food the second day of the month, for he was grieved for David, because his father had disgraced him.” It is as if Jonathan shared in the persecution of David yet Jonathan was Saul’s son.

How often are we faithful with those who are faithful to the Lord and often we are attacked as well. In a small way, Jonathan’s relationship to King David is similar to our relationship to Christ. The world acts like Saul. We are hated because they hate Jesus. 1 John 3:13 “Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.” Jesus says this as well, Matthew 10:22 “and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” and also in John 15:18–21““If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.”

What humility we see in the life of Jonathan who would so willingly give up what was rightfully his for the sake of another. We see this firstly in his sacrificial obedience to his own father. He did not have a father who loved him as he should have. Saul was a wicked father. Yet, Jonathan still honored him as such. Jonathan embodied Exodus 20:12 ““Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Saul was wicked but Jonathan still honored his father. This is what we see also in the New Testament. Ephesians 6:1–3“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”” How challenging is it for us to love our fathers when they are wicked? How difficult is it to demonstrate love even though our fathers act wickedly. Yet, Jonathan was obedient even until death.

Secondly, we see Jonathan’s obedience in relationship to his father as king. Not only did he obey his father as he should have, but also his king as he should have. Jonathan embodied principles we find in the New Testament. Romans 13:1–3“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,” And even in Titus 3:1 “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,” So also in 1 Peter 2:13 “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,” Even we ought to be in obedience to wicked rulers.

In the end of the day, Jonathan demonstrated a Christ-like attitude in his life. Jonathan points us to Christ. Philippians 2:5–8“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Humility was in the mind of Jonathan and so it is also with Christ. Isaiah 42:1 proclaims that a true servant will come and do the Lord’s will: “Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.” Matthew 20:28 “even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.””

Jonathan’s life was full of purpose even though it appears to us that he died prematurely. Jonathan’s death served to strengthen David’s reliance upon the Lord. David could no longer rely upon the relationship he had with Saul’s son but solely upon the Lord for his kingship. So also it reminds David that the kingship indeed does not come from man alone. Even though Jonathan was full of humility to pass his kingship to David, ultimately the Lord controls who is king. And thirdly, though speculative, perhaps this safeguarded Jonathan from becoming like his father during the reign of David.

It must be considered this way: Because Jonathan was a good man, regardless of how he ended his days he could not die in evil. God no doubt turned this temporal death of Jonathan to his everlasting glory. In fact God might have foreseen that if Jonathan had remained alive, his heart may have changed toward David. Therefore the Lord took him away. In this way God’s judgments, though secret and hidden to us, are most just.

[2] the demise of an unfaithful king (31:3-13)

Saul’s demise is told in brutal terms, especially in the Hebrew language in which it was written. “The verbs tell a tale of brutal disaster: to flee (three times; vv. 1, 7), fall/fallen (four times; vv. 1, 4, 5, 8), strike down (v. 2), writhe or wounded (v. 3), pierce through (twice, v. 4), die (four times; vv. 5, 6, 7), strip (twice; vv. 8, 9), cut off (v. 9), nail (v. 10). In the thick of it all Saul pleads with his armor-bearer to finish him off (v. 4a). Saul wills to die the way Abimelech, Israel’s unanointed king, died (Judg. 9:54), by the sword of an obliging armor-bearer.” (Dale Ralph Davis, 325). Saul’s death in narrative form looks a lot like his life during his kingship. In a way he fled from the Lord, as in vv. 1 and 7. He had fallen spiritually. He was stricken with a spiritual stupor of which David would comfort him by the harp. Saul was cut off from the Lord as king. And he ended up paying the wages for his sins, which is, death.

Saul’s death marks the end of an era. Even in the end of his days he still takes it upon himself to do what he seems necessary, namely, the taking of his own life. John Calvin notes, “Since he had wickedly persecuted David, who was chosen and elected by God to succeed him, there was a very good reason why he should not simply die one death, but that he should actually die two or three times, as it were.” (Calvin, 138). Saul is pierced by many arrows, surely the reversal of Psalm 91:5–6“You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.” Saul asks to be dealt a death blow, is denied by his armor bearer, so takes it upon himself. Even so, we read in 2 Samuel 1:9 “And he said to me, ‘Stand beside me and kill me, for anguish has seized me, and yet my life still lingers.’” The magical three, the number of completion. Saul’s death terminates by, in essence, being killed three times.

It is a dark time for the kingdom of God, but God’s word (15:28; 28:17–19) shows that even this darkness is not outside God’s purpose. God’s Word always prevails. 1 Samuel 15:28 we are told just what will happen to Saul. “And Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you.” Even still, as he tries to reverse the curse with the medium at En-dor, Saul is told, 1 Samuel 28:17–19“The Lord has done to you as he spoke by me, for the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David. Because you did not obey the voice of the Lord and did not carry out his fierce wrath against Amalek, therefore the Lord has done this thing to you this day. Moreover, the Lord will give Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me. The Lord will give the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.”” Saul’s death falls within the boundaries of what he has already announced. By the same token, it is far easier to stomach Pharaoh’s big mouth when you know his hard heart already stands under the decree of God’s word (e.g., Exod. 4:21b). In any case, if Yahweh’s word of judgment on Saul is true, we can be equally assured of his word of promise to David. In darkness or light what matters is having a God who speaks a true and faithful word (Davis,325).

Just as David beheads Goliath in an act of triumph over the Philistines so they do likewise to Saul. Israel is scattered and destitute. Yet, a small group from Jabesh-gilead do the honorable thing in risking their lives for the sake of Saul’s reputation. They will not allow Saul’s body to stand in mockery in a pagan temple. During Saul’s good years, he had defeated the Ammonites on behalf of the people of Jabesh-gilead. Now they return the favor by rescuing his body from the Philistines.

We come also to the issue of suicide. Is it ever warranted. A resounding no, brothers and sisters. Saul is never commended for his act of cowardice and sin. It is injurious not to ourselves but also to our family members and friends as well. It is always associated with condemnation, like that of Judas Iscariot and Ahithophel in 2 Samuel 17:23. Many who have friends and colleagues in the military know of the profundity of suicide. Nearly every 2-3 months I receive a message that someone from my old unit has taken their own lives. This is not to say that the unforgivable sin is the taking of one’s life, but it is certainly a heinous sin though not without forgiveness. Some of even the most godly of people succumb to sins wants.

We are called to endure, however. Romans 8:31–39“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

In Dante’s Purgatory Canto 12 and the retelling of pride, he writes of Saul, “O Saul! How ghastly didst thou look! on thine own swordExpiring in Gilboa, from that hour Ne'er visited with rain from heav'n or dew!” The effect of Saul’s demise is widespread throughout the ages. It serves as a reminder lest we turn from the Lord. Lest our heart becomes so hardened that we care not for the Lord and all he has done but seek pagan rituals instead. That like Saul our hearts are embittered and hatred fills our bones. As one commentator says, “Even repentance may come too late to avert its consequences in this life” or as Bunyan puts it “Look to thyself then, deal with sin no more, lest he that saves, against thee shuts the door.”

When it comes to the spiritual depraves, those who continue in their hatred for God, sometimes all we can do for the lost is remember that it is left to them. They have made this decision to stay in their sins and trespasses. Saul is responsible for his actions. Even though the Lord decreed what would happen, it does not make Saul any less responsible. God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility are a paradox for sure but not a contradiction. Sometimes we have to remember that we leave repentance up to God through prayer on behalf of those who are enemies with God. One of the greatest early church theologians grew up in a Christian home. His mother was earnest in praying for his salvation. This man left home and involved himself in many forms of spiritual debauchery and paganism. What did his mother do? She continued to pray for him.

This person would become one of the greatest church theologians, Augustine. His mother made it her mission on earth to be the one who would just constantly pray for Augustine. To be the one, again from a human perspective, that God would use in bringing Augustine to Himself. In fact, at one point in The Confessions, Monica says, "There was only one reason, and one reason alone why I wished to remain a little longer in this life, and it was to see you," she says to her son Augustine, "to see you become a Christian." Well, this mother lived to see those prayers answered. Augustine did become a Christian there in Milan. And Augustine and his mother decided they would travel back to their home to North Africa.

Here is what Augustine reflects upon during this

“Not long before the day in which she was to leave this life, You knew which day it was to be O, Lord. Though we did not. My mother and I were alone, leaning from a window which overlooked the garden in the courtyard of the house where we were staying at Ostia. We were waiting there after our long and tiring journey away from the crowd to refresh ourselves before our sea voyage. I believe that what I am going to tell happened through the secret working of your providence.

For we were talking alone together and our conversation was sweet, and serene, and joyful. We had forgotten what we had left behind and were intent on what laid before us. We were wondering what the eternal life of the saints would be like, that life which eye has not seen, nor ear has heard, nor human heart has conceived. But we laid the lips of our hearts to the heavenly stream that flows from Your fountain. The source of all life which is in You. So that as far as it was in our power to do so we might be sprinkled with its waters, and in some sense reach an understanding of this great mystery. Our conversation led us to the conclusion that no bodily pleasure, however great it might be, and whatever earthly light might shed luster upon it was worthy of our comparison, or even of mention, beside the happiness of the life of the saints.”

Augustine’s mother Monica would pass and enter into everlasting glory shortly after this “event.” She was a woman of prayer, knowing that God is responsible for salvation. Let us likewise entreat our God when those around us are deep in their sins and trespasses. It is never our convincing arguments or crafty apologetics, but it is solely upon the power of God’s Spirit working in them that brings them from children of darkness into children of life.

[[full quote: Fools make a mock at SIN, will not believe, It carries such a dagger in its sleeve; How can it be (say they) that such a thing, So full of sweet, should ever wear a sting: They know not that it is the very SPELL Of SIN, to make men laugh themselves to hell. Look to thyself then, deal with SIN no more, Lest he that saves, against thee shuts the door.]]